The periodontal ligament Fibers of the Gingival Connective Tissue.

A. Definition. Periodontal ligament (PDL) is a thin sheet of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the roots of the teeth and joins cement root from the wall socket. The thickness of the periodontal ligament varies from 0.05 to 0.25.mm depending on the age of the patient and functions tooth [14].

B. components of the Periodontal ligament. Periodontal ligament is composed of connective tissues, cells and the extracellular matrix.

1. Cells. The cells of the periodontal ligament, mainly, fibroblasts, some cementoblasts and osteoblasts.

2. Extracellular Matrix.

a. Extracellular matrix periodontal ligament such other extracellular matrix of connective tissue. This rich gel-like substance contains special connective fibers.

B. Fiber Bundles. In fiber bundles periodontal ligament specialized connective tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth and associates it with the alveolar bone. These fibers are the largest component of the periodontal ligament.

1) ropelike bundles of collagen fibers of the periodontal ligament stretch across space between the cement and the alveolar bone tooth socket (Fig. 2-16).

2) bundles of collagen fibers fastened on one side of cement covering the tooth root; on the other hand, they are embedded in the bone tissue of the tooth socket.

3. Blood vessels and nerve signals. Periodontal ligament has a wealth of nerves and blood vessels. ..